Hi all - I have a long time love afair with the Pagoda and am currently evaluating whether to purchase a Pagoda as my daily driver or a new car. To help rationalize my decision, I was hoping I could get some intel from the the community. I'm looking to purchase a 280 SL that's been rebuilt and in good condition. When evaluating the total cost of the Pagoda, what should I be factoring in for yearly maintenance and repairs? Also, what big repair items should I be anticipating over the life of the car and at what frequency?
Appreciate your thoughts and experience here. Thanks!
Possibly one of the hardest questions to answer -- ever! First of all, there is no real way to compare a daily Pagoda to a new car. What new car do you mean? A Hyundai or a F150 or a BMW or what? The new car will probably be more comfortable, more reliable, and safer. Uh-oh, I feel the arrows already...
By more reliable, I mean you'll have a warranty, and its not likely you'll have any problems with a new car. With a Pagoda, there is a greater "chance" of a problem -- although most of us will claim that Pagodas are sturdy, and if well-maintained, solid drivers. But every day? I know some of you use your Pagodas as your only car but I think that's rare. And others. like me, drive the Pagoda almost daily -- but its with quite a bit of TLC I think -- and not quite like a day in and day out commuter vehicle. Correct me if I'm wrong.
If the Pagoda is in great condition, I think the yearly cost can be fairly low. Learn to do your own general maintenance, get some collector's insurance, and it will cost you fuel and maybe an occasional replacement item (battery, starter maybe, a radiator re-core, tires after a while, etc). The bigger items might be a FI Pump overhaul, anything valve or head related, brake jobs, or paint and body work... It really depends on the starting condition of the car.
I have had mine a long time, and I can say there have been years where the costs were minimal. Other years, well... they sure are pretty and fun to drive
